Recall 24V001 covers 2 2020-2021 Northstar Ambulance vehicles for multiplex firmware that can overload electrical circuits. Firmware update is free at a franchised Northstar dealer.
Northstar is recalling 2 2020-2021 Ambulance vehicles because a short circuit or wiring failure can leave the vehicle multiplex system output pin on, which overloads electrical circuits. Those circuits can overheat and increase the risk of fire, and Northstar dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The 8x16 I/O Node in the 2020-2021 Northstar Ambulance is part of the vehicle multiplex system. That system lets electronic modules send commands through shared wiring instead of running a separate circuit for each switch or device. The node reads inputs and controls outputs, including output pins that send power to connected ambulance equipment.
On recalled ambulances, firmware V1.00 through 1.02 has incorrect electrical current sensing calibration. During a short circuit or wiring failure, the firmware does not shut off the output pin as designed. That leaves the circuit overloaded instead of isolating the failed load. Firmware V1.03 and newer are outside this recall.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner or fleet operator should not expect a dashboard message or other advance symptom from the multiplex node before an overloaded circuit occurs.
Who's affected?
The listed model years share the same Input/Output Node in the electrical system.
| 2021 Northstar Ambulance | electrical system |
|---|---|
| 2020 Northstar Ambulance | electrical system |
| Units affected | 2 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
Overloaded electrical circuits can overheat and increase the risk of fire. There is no warning sign before overheating. If your VIN is included, schedule the firmware update promptly and follow the dealer's instructions until the repair is complete. Repair is free at any franchised Northstar dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020-2021 Northstar Ambulance is included in this recall.
- Contact Northstar customer service at 1-877-344-9990 to schedule the free firmware update that fixes the multiplex system output-pin shutoff problem.
- Reference recall number 24V001 when you call, and ask where the software update will be completed.
- Bring the owner letter if it arrived, along with any service records for the ambulance.
- Limit use until the firmware update is complete if you notice electrical overheating, smoke, or unusual multiplex system behavior.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Northstar technician updates the vehicle multiplex system firmware so the software shuts off the output pin as intended after a short circuit or wiring failure. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. Northstar has a general reimbursement plan on file for eligible owners who already paid for this firmware-related repair before the recall notice. Bring any paid invoices or repair documentation to the service desk, or contact Braun Northwest customer service to ask how to submit the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| January 4, 2024 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 10, 2024 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| January 12, 2024 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 24V001?
Recall 24V001 covers 2 2020-2021 Northstar Ambulance vehicles with multiplex system firmware that can fail to shut off an output pin after a short circuit or wiring failure. That can overload electrical circuits. Northstar will update the firmware for free.
What should I do if my 2020-2021 Northstar Ambulance is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific ambulance is included in recall 24V001. If it is, contact Northstar or Braun Northwest customer service at 1-877-344-9990 to arrange the firmware update. Reference recall number 24V001 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Braun Northwest says it will update the firmware free of charge. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to perform the recall repair at no cost, so owners should not pay for parts or labor tied to recall 24V001.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire from overheated electrical circuits. If the multiplex system firmware fails to shut off an output pin after a short circuit or wiring failure, the affected circuit can overload and overheat. The free repair updates the firmware to address that risk.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/24V001000 |
|---|---|
| Northstar customer service | 1-877-344-9990 |
| NHTSA recall # | 24V001 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 24V001000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →